Soul music is an integral part of pop culture, its influence apparent in many different genres of music. From vocal harmony groups to rock bands, the style, emotion and instrumentation of soul music is at the core of it all.
The Origin Of Soul
Soul music originated in North America in the 1950's. Its sound is an amalgamation of gospel, rhythm and blues, and blues music.
Sounds
Soul music has a very distinctive sound that can be attributed to the primary instruments used. Most soul music consists of electric bass, drums, electric guitar, keyboards and a brass section.
Style
Soul music manages to sound loose while still remaining tight and rhythmically precise. The dynamic is created by syncopated rhythm sections combined with clean one-note guitar lines.
Instrumentation
Several instruments are synonymous with soul music, including the Hammond B3 Organ, Fender Rhodes electric piano, saxophone and electric guitar. Soul music is usually driven by fat electric bass sounds and acoustic drums.
Iconic Soul Song
Marvin Gaye's version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" is a fine example of soul music. It includes a Fender Rhodes, electric guitar, drums, electric bass and even string orchestration in its ensemble.